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The University of Texas-Pan American will be bringing a little South Texas flair to the State Capitol on Thursday, January 27, when UT Pan American Day is celebrated in the historic Rotunda.

Sponsored by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (District 20), with assistance from the rest of the Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation, UT Pan American Day at the Capitol will celebrate all that is great about the University, including its award-winning Mariachi Aztlan, which will be the center of attention in the Rotunda from noon to 1 p.m.

"The idea to have a day at the Capitol was proposed by President (Robert S.) Nelsen, who wants to introduce UT Pan American to the entire legislature and share our story," said Janice Odom, vice president for university advancement. "The legislature will have just convened, and we want to be there to let them know all about the extraordinary things going on here."

UT Pan American Day at the Capitol is the perfect opportunity for the Austin community and UT Pan Am alumni in the Austin-San Antonio area to check out the University's student musical group that this year has not only played at the White House, but also has won a grand championship title and performed with the Houston Grand Opera, all in a few short months.

"Even though the holidays will be behind us, we will be giving the gift of South Texas music to Austin by providing them the opportunity to hear our magnificent student group," Odom said.

In addition, the UT Pan American Foundation Board of Trustees will hold its winter board meeting in Austin January 28 to coincide with the Capitol event, in which some of the board members are expected to participate.

The agenda for UT Pan American Day at the Capitol Thursday, January 27, includes the following:

* 1:45-3:45 p.m. - UT Pan Am delegation, including students, administrators, alumni and Foundation trustees, will fan out for visits throughout the Capitol.

According to Mark Saenz, assistant to the vice president for business affairs and UTPA's government relations coordinator, the day will offer members of the UT Pan American Student Government Association, alumni and UT Pan Am Foundation an opportunity to visit with all legislative members and let them know about the University and its impact on the region and state.

All UT Pan Am alumni in the area are invited to join the festivities and support their alma mater.

"We hope to see our UTPA supporters out there in Austin to help us celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of our University," Saenz said.

For more information on UT Pan American Day at the Capitol, contact the Division of University Advancement at (956) 665-3663.